ATP Indian Wells: Medvedev Ends Alcaraz's 16-Win Streak, Sinner Defeats Zverev

On March 15 Beijing time, the 2026 ATP 1000 Indian Wells Masters semifinals commenced. Eleventh seed Daniil Medvedev defeated world number one Carlos Alcaraz 6-3/7-6(3), advancing to the final for the third time at this event. His previous two final appearances ended in defeat against the latter, resulting in runner-up finishes.

Daniil Medvedev

The semifinal clash between Medvedev and Alcaraz was fiercely contested, with both players entering the match carrying eight and sixteen consecutive wins respectively. Medvedev maintained strong form throughout the match. After saving two break points in the second set, he secured a 6-3/7-6(3) victory, breaking the world number one's unbeaten record this season and ending his own four-match losing streak in their encounters. Consequently, the "post-00s" duo Alcaraz and Sinner failed to meet in the final across all three tournaments they jointly participated in this season.

By reaching the final and earning $612,340 in prize money and 650 ranking points, Medvedev accumulated 3610 points, surpassing Alexander Bublik's 3385 points, ensuring his return to the Top 10 next week after an eight-month absence. Medvedev stated post-match: "My serve was excellent today. I saved several break points in the second set. It's very satisfying to defeat a formidable player like Carlos (Alcaraz). To win a title, you must beat such opponents. I'm delighted to face Jannik (Sinner) in the final. If I can maintain my performance from this tournament, perhaps I have a chance. That's what I will strive to achieve."

Jannik Sinner

The first semifinal, which took place earlier, lacked notable highlights. Second seed Jannik Sinner seized control during the middle stages of both sets, ultimately defeating fourth seed Alexander Zverev 6-2/6-4. With this sixth consecutive win over Zverev, Sinner reached his first tour-level final this season. Notably, this marks Sinner's first final appearance at Indian Wells, leaving him just one victory away from claiming titles at all six hard-court Masters events.

After successfully advancing to his tenth Masters final, Sinner expressed evident joy: "This is already my third semifinal here, so (making the final for the first time) I am extremely pleased. This week, at this tournament, we have made progress. For me, that is the most important aspect. Making the final here for the first time is a remarkable achievement and holds significant meaning for me. Let's see what challenge awaits next; it will be an exceptionally tough test."

Besides the men's singles semifinals, three doubles finals were also held today. In women's doubles, third seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend defeated fifth seeds Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic 7-6(4)/6-4, capturing their fourth title as a partnership.

Siniakova/Townson Championship Path

First Round: 6-2/7-5 Raducanu/Ruse [W]

Second Round: 6-1/6-2 Alexandrova/Kenin

Quarterfinal: 6-4/6-4 Perez/Scholls [8]

Semifinal: 6-2/6-2 Errani/Paolini [1]

Final: 7-6(4)/6-4 Danilina/Krunic [5]

In mixed doubles, Belinda Bencic and Nicolas Kooli overcame top seeds Gabriela Dabrowski and John Glasspool 6-3/2-6/10-7 to claim the championship. In the men's doubles final, Andreaozzi/Ginard defeated the cousin duo Lindeknech/Vasserot 7-6(3)/6-3 to win the title.

Andreaozzi/Ginard Championship Path

First Round: 6-4/7-6(3) de Minaur/Pearce

Second Round: 6-4/6-4 Cabral/Midler [7]

Quarterfinal: 3-6/6-3/10-8 C. Harrison/Skupski [4]

Semifinal: 6-7(13)/6-3/10-5 Granollers/Zeballos [1]

Final: 7-6(3)/6-3 Lindeknech/Vasserot

Bencic/Kooli Championship Path

First Round: 6-4/6-3 Ostapenko/Evan King

Quarterfinal: 6-3/6-4 Mladenovic/Ginard

Semifinal: 6-3/6-3 Errani/Vavassori [4]

Final: 6-3/2-6/10-7 Dabrowski/Glasspool [1]

（Text, Editor: Dato, Image: Visual China）